Home   What's On   Article

Rehearsals under way for Thursford Christmas Spectacular ahead of show’s opening on November 8

14:59, 16 October 2024

updated: 15:06, 16 October 2024

Rehearsals are under way for one of the region’s longest-running festive attractions, which attracts hordes of visitors from Suffolk.

The famous Thursford Christmas Spectacular opens to audiences next month.

The three-hour extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, comedy and speciality acts has been attracting visitors for years, having grown from a small carol concert in an old farm shed into one of the biggest Christmas shows of its kind in Europe.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Picture: Submitted
Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Picture: Submitted
Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Picture: Submitted
Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Picture: Submitted

Every November and December, Thursford Steam Museum (which houses the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs) is transformed into a winter wonderland.

With a new show every year, the team push the limits in terms of performance and production, becoming bigger and better than the last.

Preparations for the show begin in January and continue throughout the year until rehearsals start in September.

One of Thursford's dancers
One of Thursford's dancers
Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Picture: Submitted
Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Picture: Submitted

In 2023, the show welcomed its most immersive production yet, with the installation of a new state-of-the-art sound system.

This year, there have been upgrades to the seating, lighting and the Wurlitzer organ. The show will also welcome four new world-class speciality acts, with a Contortion Duo from Ukraine, an Icarian act from Italy, a Diablo act from Chile, and return of Extreme Mountain Biker Danny Butler – this time as a duo.

The show also welcomes the return of comedian and compere Lloyd Hollett – The Comedy Wordsmith, after a successful first year.

Juggling duo Leif Hellmuth and Pat Fabio
Juggling duo Leif Hellmuth and Pat Fabio
Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Picture: Submitted
Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Picture: Submitted

Performed through song, music, and dance, this Christmas story takes audiences on a journey to Christmas Eve. With a cast of more than 120 singers, dancers, live orchestra and speciality acts performing on a 130ft stage and across the aisles inside a 1,400 seated steam museum, entertainment does not get much bigger.

John Cushing OBE, director and producer said: “Thursford offers something for everyone. Whether it’s classic Christmas carols, opera, musicals, or all out theatre, there is an abundance of festive fun to enjoy.

“Audiences travel from all over the country and overseas to see our show. Tickets sell out every year.”

Extreme mountain biker Danny Butler
Extreme mountain biker Danny Butler
Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Picture: Submitted
Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Picture: Submitted

Ticket prices for 2024 have been frozen as a thank you to the coach operators and customers who continue to book year-after-year.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular runs from November 8-December 23, with performances at 2pm and 7pm.

The complex is accessible and offers free parking. Book online at www.thursford.com or call the box office on 01328 878477.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More